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Topic Review (Newest First)

11-28-2010 04:51 PM

Jim Miller

So I looked into Todd's advice. Called Bob Meiser (a truely nice guy)....got more advice/information about spey rods/lines than my brain could handle.
So I ordered the SGS Scandit Shooting Head System sized for my CND Solstice.
Pretty neat system w/ interchangable parts to go from scandi to skagit line systems depending on the conditions.
Now I just need to learn how to spey cast!
FWIW: In today's times it is refreshing to talk with a guy like Bob Meiser. Low key...no sell...just tells you what you need to know. If you are looking to buy or build a rod I would call his shop and talk w/ him about what you are wanting to do. His expertise and williness to help you out is something one doesn't find too often! His products are superb! (my next build will be with one of his kits...)

11-26-2010 01:50 PM

Jim Miller

Actually talked w/ Bob Meiser this AM....will explore!

11-26-2010 12:38 PM

vtloon

Take a good look at the Meiser/SGS "Skandit" line system. Covers all the bases.

11-26-2010 11:50 AM

reelstory

Line System

I have no experience with sinking systems, and have to enter that arena myself. I would start with the Rio site to get an idea what they recommend for lines for your patricular rod, and would give Poppy a call at the Red Shed for experienced recommendations. good starting points, I think.

11-25-2010 08:13 PM

Jim Miller

Thanks JT.
I will give Bob a call....Looks like a fun build with his kit. I will still probably build something....cause it's fun!

Well....found a great deal on a CND Solstice 13'4" 6/7/8 and made the purchase.
Now on to step 2.....what system to line it with?
Will mostly be fishing th Salmon River. The width runs 50 to 150'. Wide pools and runs with big tailouts. Short deep pools up to 8-10' deep. Wide flat areas with "trenches" in the shale rock. The water can run from 200 cfs to 2000 cfs in a matter of days. I fish big speys and buggers down to small nymphs and egg patterns. I will put either a Tibor Riptide or Abel 4 reel on the rod.
I suppose I need to be versitale and adaptable with my line system.

As before ...the floor is open to suggestions.

Thanks all for your help!

11-25-2010 10:50 AM

reelstory

Meiser Rods

Jim; A call to Bob could be helpful in deciding which model would best fit your needs. He certainly knows which rods are designed for what.

11-25-2010 05:59 AM

Jim Miller

Thanks again JT. The Meiser kit is very attractive and looks like it will yield a very nice rod. The question becomes what series is best for me..classic, S, or mcKinney.
They seem to provide all the parts...and if I want to customize the cork or threadwork....I can easily add cork rings or change up the wraps. NICE!
I was aware of Speypages...but the other site is cool and new to me. Thanks again!

11-24-2010 07:10 PM

reelstory

An added resource

Jim, Here is a resource that might be helpful. It is relative to spey casting instruction, etc..www.flyfishingresearch.net. Click on Bob Pauli's spey casting instruction booklet.
Also www.speypages.com is a great resource forum for gaining information from an international membership.
Good luck.

11-24-2010 12:11 PM

reelstory

Meiser Rod

Jim; Yes, the Meiser is a rod I feel you can definately grow into. I can feel it each time I practice with it. Although I have not used it to fish with yet.
I started with learning the single spey, against conventional wisdom I discovered, with an 8/9 wt 13', and it is currently my best cast. I can perform, to some degree, all of the basic casts, but have a ways to go to consider myself proficient. I have a long way to go with left hand up. I started with a mid-belly line (65' head), and that was a mistake for me. Once I dropped back to a short head in the 50 - 55' range, I experienced great improvement. I agree with others that learning the Snap Z, Circle C, and Double Spey will get you fishing sooner than other casts might. Getting the right line for you, and your casting style is very important, and requires some experimenting. I will suggest the Red Shed Fly Shop as a great source for loaning lines to test drive. It has worked for me. Talk with Poppy at www.redshedflyshop.com.
I fish Atlantics 2 or 3 weeks a year, and that gives me considerable spey fishing experience with the river right and left and wind conditions. I also have a Meiser Highlander 3/4/5 wt with a Scandi head that gives me an opportunity to practice spey while trout fishing. I rely heavily on Rio's Modern Spey Casting DVDs with Simon. My wife feels I must have worn the discs out by now. I pick up little bits every time I watch it. I also have Al Buhr's book, Two-Handed Fly Casting which has been quite helpful.
As you will find, muscle memory can be difficult to overcome at first.

11-24-2010 09:10 AM

Gseries69

Jim,

After being nervous about switching from single to 2hand casting for a long while, all I can say is that it is a lot more intimidating than it is difficult at least in terms of a double spey and circle C/snap T (not sure there is a difference between the two) when using a skagit line. I believe both are considered easier casts but they will get you fishing in short order and are easy to learn. A couple of guys from the forum had me on my way with a few quick tips at the spey clave last year on the Cape.

Some of the casts required over your opposite shoulder when you are dealing with wind and current direction can be a bit tougher but the basics remain the same and some one with your single handed rod experience will be able to pick up on the nuances quickly. Learning to cast with your opposite hand is much easier as well.

Some guys like to boom out 100+' casts and I don't blame them, spey casting is beautiful to watch. But I think that on our smaller NE rivers like the SR, line control and slowing down the swing and getting to the right depth is the bigger challenge, not casting.

11-24-2010 05:19 AM

Jim Miller

Thanks JT!
I was looking at building that exact same rod. Meiser seems to have great kit options for building. Do you feel that the highlander is a rod that you will grow into as your experience grows? Like you I have been single hand fly casting forever. I am not so sure of the learning curve for this new tool.

What kind of casts have you found to be easily learned and useful to get you up and fishing? I look at these videos and wonder if I will ever become proficient!

I would ask the same question of my fellow newbies out there in speyland.

Thanks again...great info and exactly what I am looking for!

11-24-2010 05:16 AM

fishinfool

Another option

You might want to consider one of the switch rods too. I recently got a Deer Creek 11-8 and love it for the versatility it brings. It will fish skagit, scandi or regular lines overhead quite well. At around $350 plus a versatile line system, I got mine through Bob Meiser, it gives a lot of options.

11-24-2010 03:11 AM

reelstory

Meiser Rods

I recently purchased a Meiser Highlander S in a 13' 6" 7 wt that I really enjoy casting. I am fairly new to the sport, and much in the learning mode. I am looking forward to trying it on the SR, however I have only played with short belly lines (Vector 6/7 and 7/8) with ploy leaders, and have not moved to the skagit area yet. I have no doubt this rod will perform well with skagit lines
My main focus is fishing for Atlantics.

11-23-2010 11:03 AM

juro

Sorry Jim -

I've been blasted at work on a short week then heading out to the west coast to start a new aerospace project. Luckily it might warrant a spey rod in the luggage

Not sure if my previous opinions came thru but there is no such thing as a single rod for true spey fishing and striper fishing. We might want a city car and an oversand vehicle all in one too but one's not going to like Storrow Drive and the other isn't going to handle the trail after the July 4th traffic.

For a river the size of SR, I would go with the Solstice 13'8" 6/7/8. It has no confusion about whether it's spey or overhead, adaptable from Scandi to long belly (lightened up), light as a feather and casts itself. It's one of those rods where you don't know where the power is coming from in that little whip.

I also like the T&T mentioned, and Bob Meisers works of art, and Burkie's got some amazing rods in that range as well as the big names - Sage and Loomis, etc. If you're going to try to hit lightning on the first strike then pay more and go with something people swear by and gather a lot of feedback.

Otherwise go with something reasonable and cheap and get the knack for it, then go for the lifetime purchase. That's what I did... start with reasonable tools and get the skills up to parr many years ago.

Keep in mind the price point reaches a point of diminishing returns and it takes a skilled Spey caster to appreciate the subtle differences in the upper range. As you climb the ladder it's really not that important in fact if you can cast well with a crappy rod you'll be a magician with a really good one.

more later

.02

11-23-2010 08:01 AM

Jim Miller

Hey Guys
Any other input?....west coast guys????

Hey Juro....did you have a chance to check out my questions on a.) what you may still have for sale and b.) CND blanks for a build.

Thanks all.....I'm about ready to put in my Birthday present request!

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